After eight months, Albert Capellas is stepping down from his post as the head coach of the Philippine Men’s National Football Team.
A coaching change has rocked the Philippine Men’s National Football Team just days before a key match against Tajikistan in the Asian Cup Qualifiers later this month, with head coach Albert Capellas stepping down.
In an announcement made by the team on Saturday night, Capellas left his post due to “personal reasons.” The Philippine Football Federation refused to elaborate out of “great respect” for the 57-year-old.
Capellas coached the team for eight months, which included a historic semifinal victory at the ASEAN Championships and a first victory over Thailand in five decades.
Recently-appointed assistant Carles Cuadrat will be overseeing the team on an interim basis.
"My wonderful journey as head coach of the Philippine National Football Federation has come to an end and I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all those who have been part of it especially the players and all the staff involved, the Director of National Teams Freddy Gonzalez, and the President John Gutierrez,” said Albert Capellas in a statement.
“Together, we have enjoyed an inspiring journey and have proven that Filipino football has a promising generation of young players with the potential to bring great pride and success to the country. I am sincerely grateful for the time we have shared and for the support and kindness I’ve received from the entire Filipino football community."
"I will always carry these memories with me and wish the Federation and the team continued growth and success in the years to come,” he added.
Most recently, Capellas helped the team achieve a 4-1 victory over Maldives at the New Clark Stadium last March.
“As with all things in life, change happens and one must always be prepared to handle unexpected turns. We move on, and keep pushing forward. Albert left us with a blueprint to follow and we thank him for bringing Carles on board, enabling him to be the interim head coach and provide continuity for what Albert has started," said Men’s Team Manager and Director of Senior National Football Teams Freddy Gonzales.
"Now is the time to focus on the match with Tajikistan and push to be top of the group and focus on qualifying for the Asian Cup,” Gonzales added.
Cuadrat brings vast experience after his work with the national teams of Saudi Arabia and El Salvador. He has also been coach for European clubs such as Barcelona Youth, Galatasaray, and Midtjylland.
Cuadrat's recent work also include helping East Bengal FC to their first trophy in over a decade as their head coach.
He faces a litmus test as the Philippines faces Tajikistan in the Asian Cup Qualifiers at New Clark City Stadium in June 10.